Cream Cheese Basil Summer Squash Food

PAN-COOKED SUMMER SQUASH WITH TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a wide, heavy skillet. Add the zucchini. Cook, stirring or shaking the pan, until the zucchini is lightly seared and beginning to soften, three to five minutes. Remove from the pan, and set aside.
• Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, then the garlic. Cook, stirring, just until fragrant -- less than 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes have begun to cook down, about five minutes. Return the zucchini to the pan, add salt and pepper to taste, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until the zucchini is tender and translucent and the tomatoes have cooked down to a fragrant sauce. Stir in the basil, and taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from the heat and serve hot, or allow to cool and serve at room temperature.

STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND BACON

Steps:

• Put the cream cheese in a bowl to soften for a few minutes before you start.
• Combine basil, bacon, salt, pepper, onion, and cream cheese.
• Spoon about 1 tsp or a little more of the cream cheese mixture into the blossoms, depending on their size.
• Gently twist the ends of the petals together.
• Combine flour and cornmeal, with a little salt if you like.
• Whisk egg white into water thoroughly.
• Dip each blossom into the egg white mixture, keeping petals twisted, then roll it in the flour/cornmeal.
• Place filled blossoms in the fridge for 7-10 minutes.
• Heat 1-2" oil in a sturdy pot, to about 350 degrees F.
• Fry blossoms until golden brown, turning occasionally.
• Drain on paper towels and serve!

SAUTEED SUMMER SQUASH WITH BASIL

Steps:

• Cut the squash in thick slices. Heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the squash over high heat so that it is golden brown on both sides, but not overcooked. It should still be slightly crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon as the pieces are cooked and place them in a serving bowl.
• Add the garlic to skillet, cook until golden. Add with oil left in pan to the squash. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with basil and toss. Serve hot or at room temperature.

PAN SEARED SUMMER SQUASH WITH FRESH BASIL AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh basil and salt.
• Slice the zucchini into large rounds.
• Warm a 10-inch skillet (Whole Foods suggests cast iron) until very hot.
• Place the zucchini in pan and sear over high heat, until blackened, 2-3 minutes.
• Flip onto other side and sear additional 2-3 minutes, until both sides are blackened.
• Place zucchini on a large platter. Spoon vinaigrette over zucchini. Serve warm.